i66 



O JFLS. 



species found in Western Europe, the best known of ail is the great eagle-owl 

 {Bubo ignavus), of which specimens are occasionally taken in Britain. This 

 splendid bird, of which the total length may reach 28 inches, belongs to a group of 

 two or three species characterised by the toes being so thickly feathered that even 



EAGLE OWL SEIZIXG ITS PREY 



their last joints are concealed. It has a black beak and bright orange iris ; while 

 the plumage is a beautiful blending of various shades of l)rown. The ear-tufts 

 include a few dark feathers, with light bars on the inner \vebs ; the hind-neck and 

 back are mottled dark and reddish brown, witli the dark tint occupying the middle 



